Computing system with DVE template selection and video content item generation feature

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, an example method includes (i) receiving a first group of video content items; (ii) identifying from among the first group of video content items, a second group of video content items having a threshold extent of similarity with each other; (iii) determining a quality score for each video content item of the second group; (iv) identifying from among the second group of video content items, a third group of video content items each having a quality score that exceeds a quality score threshold; and (v) based on the identifying of the third group, transmitting at least a portion of at least one video content item of the identified third group to a digital video-effect (DVE) system, wherein the system is configured for using the at least the portion of the at least one video content item of the identified third group to generate a video content item.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/226,943, filed Dec. 20, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/868,927 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,199,071), filedJan. 11, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/209,515 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,905,267), filed Jul. 13, 2016. Theentirety of each of these earlier applications is hereby incorporated byreference.

USAGE AND TERMINOLOGY

In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified and/or unless theparticular context clearly dictates otherwise, the terms “a” or “an”means at least one, and the term “the” means the at least one.

BACKGROUND

Unless otherwise specified, the materials described in this section arenot prior art to the claims in this disclosure and are not admitted tobe prior art by inclusion in this section.

A video-production system (VPS) can generate and/or output a videoprogram (e.g., a news program) in the form of video content. The VPS caninclude various components to facilitate this. For example, the VPS caninclude a scheduling system, which can create and/or edit a programschedule, perhaps based on input received from a user (e.g., a produceror technical director) via a user interface. Further, the VPS caninclude a sequencing system, which can process records in the programschedule, and based on the processed records, control one or morecomponents of the VPS to facilitate generating and/or outputting videocontent.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an example method is disclosed. The method includesreceiving, by a computing system, a first group of video content items;identifying, by the computing system, from among the first group ofvideo content items, a second group of video content items having athreshold extent of similarity with each other; determining, by thecomputing system, a quality score for each video content item of thesecond group; identifying, by the computing system, from among thesecond group of video content items, a third group of video contentitems each having a quality score that exceeds a quality scorethreshold; and based on the identifying of the third group,transmitting, by the computing system, at least a portion of at leastone video content item of the identified third group to a digitalvideo-effect (DVE) system, wherein the DVE system is configured for (i)receiving the transmitted at least the portion of the at least one videocontent item of the identified third group, and (ii) using (a) thereceived at least the portion of the at least one video content item ofthe identified third group and (b) a DVE template, to generate a videocontent item.

In another aspect, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium isdisclosed. The computer-readable medium has stored thereon programinstructions that upon execution by a processor, cause performance of aset of acts including receiving, by a computing system, a first group ofvideo content items; identifying, by the computing system, from amongthe first group of video content items, a second group of video contentitems having, a threshold extent of similarity with each other;determining, by the computing system, a quality score for each videocontent item of the second group; identifying, by the computing system,from among the second group of video content items, a third group ofvideo content items each having a quality score that exceeds a qualityscore threshold; and based on the identifying of the third group,transmitting, by the computing system, at least a portion of at leastone video content item of the identified third group to a DVE system,wherein the DVE system is configured for (i) receiving the transmittedat least the portion of the at least one video content, item of theidentified third group, and (ii) using (a) the received at least theportion of the at least one video content item of the identified thirdgroup and (b) a DVE template, to generate a video content item.

In another aspect, an example computing system is disclosed. Thecomputing system is configured for performing a set of acts includingreceiving, by a computing system, a first group of video content items;identifying, by the computing system, from among the first group ofvideo content items, a second group of video content items having athreshold extent of similarity with each other; determining, by thecomputing system, a quality score for each video content item of thesecond group; identifying, by the computing system, from among thesecond group of video content items, a third group of video contentitems each having a quality score that exceeds a quality scorethreshold; and based on the identifying of the third group,transmitting, by the computing system, at least a portion of at leastone video content item of the identified third group to a digital,video-effect (DVE) system, wherein the DVE system is configured for (i)receiving the transmitted at least the portion of the at least one videocontent item of the identified third group, and (ii) using (a) thereceived at least the portion of the at least one video content item ofthe identified third group and (b) a DVE template, to generate a videocontent item.

In another aspect, an example method is disclosed. The method includesreceiving, by a computing system, a first group of video content items;identifying, by the computing system, from among the first group ofvideo content items, a second group of video content items each having aquality score that exceeds a quality score threshold; and based on theidentifying, using, by the computing system, at least a portion of atleast one video content item of the identified second group to generatea video content item.

In another aspect, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium isdisclosed. The computer-readable medium has stored thereon programinstructions that upon execution by a processor, cause performance of aset of acts including receiving, by a computing system, a first group ofvideo content items; identifying, by the computing system from among thefirst group of video content items, a second group of video contentitems each having a quality score that exceeds a quality scorethreshold; and based on the identifying, using, by the computing system,at least a portion of at least one video content item of the identifiedsecond group to generate a video content item.

In another aspect, an example computing system is disclosed. Thecomputing system is configured for performing a set of acts includingreceiving, by a computing system, a first group of video content items;identifying, by the computing system, from among, the first group ofvideo content items, a second group of video content items each having,a quality score that exceeds a quality score threshold; and based on theidentifying, using, by the computing system, at least a portion of atleast one video content item of the identified second group to generatea video content item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example computing device.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example video system.

FIG. 3A is a simplified block diagram of an example VPS.

FIG. 3B is a simplified block diagram of another example VPS.

FIG. 4A is a simplified diagram of an example frame of video content,without content overlaid thereon.

FIG. 4B is a simplified diagram of an example frame of video content,with content overlaid thereon.

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of an example program schedule.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an example method.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an example method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Overview

In recent years, the quantity and capability of computing devices thatcan capture and transmit video content has increased. Because moreend-users have these types of computing devices (mobile phones, cameras,smartwatches, head-mounted devices, etc.), end-users may have more powerto document and record events as they unfold. Given this, a VPS canenhance the production of video content by incorporating into producedvideo content, input video content received from end-users at events asthey happen. However, incorporating input video content in this mannercan present several challenges.

One challenge can involve determining which of multiple input videocontent items relate to a common event. Another challenge can involveensuring that an input video content item has an appropriate quality forviewing. Another challenge can involve selecting a DVE template that canaccommodate multiple input video content items. Accordingly, a systemand method are described that, can address these and/or otherchallenges.

In one example, a method can begin by receiving at a computing system afirst group of video content items. The computing system can receivevideo content items from various video sources. The computing system canthen identify a second group of video content items from the first groupthat have a threshold extent of similarity with each other. In oneexample, the computing system can compare metadata and/or fingerprintsto determine whether video content items are sufficiently similar.

The computing system can then determine a quality score for each videocontent item in the second group of video content items. The qualityscore can correspond with a characteristic of the video content items orcorresponding audio content items (e.g., stability of the video,resolution of the video, audio quality, or other characteristics of thevideo). The computing system can identify from among the second group athird group of video content items each having a quality score thatexceeds a quality score threshold. The threshold may be adjusted by thecomputing system to reduce or increase the quantity of the third groupof video content items.

The computing system can then select a DVE template to use based on thenumber of video content items in the third group. The computing systemcan then use the selected DVE template and the third group of videocontent items to generate a video content item for broadcast, and canthen broadcast the generated video content item. The generated videocontent item can be broadcast within a time period (e.g., 10 seconds)from when the received video content items were received and/or capturedto provide “live” coverage of the event. In this way, the computingsystem can produce video content that incorporates multiple videocontent items captured and provided by end-users at an event as itunfolds.

II. Example Architecture

A. Computing Device

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example computing device 100.Computing device 100 can include various components, such as processor102, data storage unit 104, communication interface 106, and/or userinterface 108. Each of these components can be connected to each othervia connection mechanism 110.

In this disclosure, the term “connection mechanism” means a mechanismthat facilitates communication between two or more components, devices,systems, or other entities. A connection mechanism can be a relativelysimple mechanism, such as a cable or system bus, or a relatively complexmechanism, such as a packet-based communication network (e.g., theInternet). In some instances, a connection mechanism can include anon-tangible medium (e.g., where the connection, is wireless).

Processor 102 can include a general-purpose processor (e.g., amicroprocessor) and/or a special-purpose processor (e.g., a digitalsignal processor (DSP)).

Data storage unit 104 can include one or more volatile, non-volatile,removable, and/or non-removable storage components, such as magnetic,optical, or flash storage, and/or can be integrated in whole or in partwith processor 102. Further, data storage unit 104 can take the form ofa non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having stored thereonprogram instructions (e.g., compiled or non-compiled program logicand/or machine code) that, upon execution by processor 102, causecomputing device 100 to perform one or more acts and/or functions, suchas those described in this disclosure. As such, computing device 100 canbe configured to perform and/or can perform one or more acts and/orfunctions, such as those described in this disclosure. Such programinstructions can define and/or be part of a discrete softwareapplication. In some instances, computing device 100 can execute programinstructions in response to receiving an input, such as fromcommunication interface 106 and/or user interface 108. Data storage unit104 can also store other types of data, such as those types described inthis disclosure.

Communication interface 106 can allow computing device 100 to connectwith and/or communicate with another other entity according to one ormore protocols. In one example, communication interface 106 can be awired interface, such as an Ethernet interface or a high-definitionserial-digital-interface (HD-SDI). In another example, communicationinterface 106 can be a wireless interface, such as a cellular or WI-FIinterface. In this disclosure, a connection can be a direct connectionor an indirect connection, the latter being a connection that passesthrough and/or traverses one or more entities, such as such as a router,switcher, or other network device. Likewise, in this disclosure, atransmission can be a direct transmission or an indirect transmission.

User interface 108 can include hardware and/or software components thatfacilitate interaction between computing device 100 and a user ofcomputing device 100, if applicable. As such, user interface 108 caninclude input components, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, atouch-sensitive panel, a microphone, and/or a camera, and/or outputcomponents such as a display device (which, for example, can be combinedwith a touch-sensitive panel), a sound speaker, and/or a haptic feedbacksystem.

Computing device 100 can take various forms, such as a workstationterminal, a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, and/or a mobile phone.

B. Video System

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example video system 200.Video system 200 can perform various acts and/or functions related tovideo content, and can be implemented as a computing system. In thisdisclosure, the term “computing system” means a system that includes atleast one computing device. In some instances, a computing system caninclude one or more other computing systems.

Video system 200 can include various components, such as VPS 202,video-broadcast system (VBS) 204, and destination device 206, each ofwhich can be implemented as a computing system. Video system 200 canalso include connection mechanism 208, which connects VPS 202 with VBS204; and connection mechanism 210, which connects VBS 204 withdestination device 206.

FIG. 3A is a simplified block diagram of an example VPS 202. VPS 202 caninclude various components, such as video source 302, video ingestsystem 304, DVE system 306, scheduling system 308, and sequencing system310, each of which can be implemented as a computing system. VPS 202 canalso include connection mechanism 312, which connects video source 302with video ingest system 304; connection mechanism 314, which connectsvideo source 302 with sequencing, system 310; connection mechanism 316,which connects video ingest system 304 with DVE system 306; connectionmechanism 318, which connects video ingest system 304 with sequencingsystem 310; connection mechanism 320, which connects DVE system 306 withsequencing system 310; and connection mechanism 322, which connectsscheduling system 308 with sequencing system 310.

Video source 302 can take various forms, such as a character generator,a video server, a satellite receiver, a DVE system, or a video camera(e.g., a security camera or a camera provided at a facility such as astadium, arena, or building). An example character generator is the VizTrio provided by Viz Rt™ of Bergen, Norway. An example video server isthe K2 server provided by Grass Valley™ of San Francisco, Calif. Videosource 302 can also take the form of an end-user device such as a mobilephone or tablet.

DVE system 306 can take various forms, such as a production switcher. Anexample production switcher is the Vision Octane production switcherprovided by Ross Video Ltd. of Iroquois, Ontario in Canada. In someinstances, DVE system 306 can take the form of an end-user device.

FIG. 3B is a simplified block diagram of a version of VPS 202, where VPS202 includes three video sources, namely video source 302 a, videosource 302 b, and video source 302 c, and respective connectionmechanisms 312 a-c that connect the video sources 302 a-c with the videoingest system 304.

Returning to FIG. 2, VBS 204 can include various components, such as aterrestrial antenna or a satellite, each of which can be implemented asa computing system.

Each of the video-based entities described in this disclosure caninclude or be integrated with a corresponding audio-based entity.Likewise, the video content described in this disclosure can include orbe integrated with corresponding audio content.

III. Example Operations

Video system 200 and/or components thereof can perform various actsand/or functions. These and related features will now be described.

Video system 200 can perform various acts and/or functions related tovideo content. For example, video system 200 can receive, generateand/or output a video program in the form of video content. In thisdisclosure, the act of receiving, generating, and/or transmitting videocontent can occur in various ways and/or according to various standards.For example, the act of receiving and/or transmitting video content caninclude receiving and/or transmitting a video stream representing thevideo content, such as over Internet Protocol (IP) or in accordance withthe high-definition serial digital interface (HD-SDI) standard.Likewise, the act of generating content can include generating a videostream representing the video content. Also, the act of receiving,generating, and/or transmitting video content can include receiving,generating, and/or transmitting an encoded or decoded version of thevideo content.

VPS 202 can perform various acts and/or functions related to videocontent production. In this context, video source 302 can generateand/or output video content, and can transmit the video content to videoingest system 304 and/or DVE system 306. As noted above, video source302 can take the form of a character generator. A character generatorcan generate video content based on, input data. For example, acharacter generator can receive weather data and then generate videocontent that includes the weather data. As another example, a charactergenerator can use an ordered set of content items to generate videocontent that includes the content items in the specified order. Thistype of generated video content is sometimes referred to in the industryas a “ticker.” The content items can include various types of content,such as text and/or images. The ordered set of content items can bestored in various forms, such as in the form of an extended markupLanguage (XML) file.

As also noted above, video source 302 can also take the form of a videoserver. A video server can store video content (e.g., in the form of afile). Further, the video server can use the stored video content togenerate a video stream representing the video content. This issometimes referred to in the industry as the video server playing outthe video content. The video server can then transmit the video stream,thereby transmitting the video content.

In some instances, such as where video source 302 is an end-user device,video source 302 can capture and transmit video content (and perhapsrelated data, such as metadata) to video ingest system 304. Video ingestsystem 304 can then perform various operations based on or in connectionwith the received video content.

In one example, video source 302 can transmit video content to videoingest system 304 shortly after the video content has been captured toenable the captured video content to be broadcast “live.” In someembodiments, the captured video content can be broadcast within 10seconds from when the video content was captured by video source 302and/or received, by the video ingest system 304.

Referring to FIG. 3B, in one example, video ingest system 304 canreceive a first video content item from video source 302 a, a secondvideo content item from video source 302 b, and a third video contentitem from video source 302 c. In one example, two or more of videosources 302 a-c can be end-user devices that are on-site at a newsworthyevent.

Video ingest system 304 can include various modules, such as a metadatamodule, a fingerprint module, a filtering module, a comparison module,and a scoring module. The metadata module can determine and/or storemetadata for a received video content item. Metadata can be stored atvideo ingest system 304 and later retrieved by the filtering moduleand/or the comparison module. The metadata can include information aboutthe video content item, such as the date and time of capture, duration,geographic location, camera information, quality of the video content,venue information, network signal information, user information, userinput, and/or other information.

A fingerprint can uniquely identify a video content item and can begenerated using techniques in the art that are now know or laterdiscovered. In some embodiments, the fingerprint module can generateand/or store fingerprints associated with video content items receivedfrom video sources 302 a-c. In one example, a fingerprint associatedwith a video content item can be a video fingerprint that is generatedbased on the video content item. In another example, a fingerprintassociated with a video content item can be an audio fingerprint that isgenerated based on an audio content item that corresponds to the videocontent item. Fingerprints can be stored at video ingest system 304 andlater retrieved by the filtering module and/or the comparison module.

The filtering module can filter a video content item to remove a portionof unwanted video content. For example, the filtering module can removevideo content that is inappropriate (e.g., video content containingprofanity, vulgar content, etc.). The filtering module can also removevideo content of poor quality (e.g., unstable video, grainy video, videodata that is too dark or too bright, etc.). The filtering module canrely on metadata, fingerprints, or both to determine video content tofilter out.

The comparison module can determine which of multiple video contentitems are related to the same topic or event. In one example, thecomparison module can identify from among the first group of videocontent items a second group of video content items relating to the sametopic or event. The comparison module can do this by identifying fromamong the first group of video content items a second group of videocontent items having a threshold extent of similarity with each other.

For example, video ingest system 304 can receive two video content itemsrepresenting a hockey game and one video content item representing abasketball game. The comparison module can group all three video contentitems into a first group. The comparison module can then identify asecond group of video content items containing just the two videocontent items representing the hockey game. The comparison module can dothis by determining that the two video content items representing thehockey game have a threshold extent of similarity with each other.

In one example, the comparison module can determine whether videocontent items have a threshold extent of similarity with each other bycomparing fingerprints and/or metadata associated with the video contentitems. As noted above, a video content item can be associated with afingerprint (e.g., a fingerprint generated based on the video contentitem, or a fingerprint generated based on an audio content item, thatcorresponds to the video content item). Upon generating a fingerprintassociated with a given video content item according to a selectedfingerprinting generation scheme, that fingerprint can be compared withanother fingerprint generated based on another video content itemaccording to the same scheme, and a matching one of those fingerprintscan be identified based on such comparison. The comparison module can beconfigured to match two (or perhaps more) fingerprints by determiningwhether one of fingerprints matches or has a threshold extent ofsimilarity with the other fingerprint.

In some instances, a fingerprint can include query sub-fingerprints thathave been generated from segments of a portion of the respective videocontent item. As such, comparing the fingerprints can involve computingdistances between fingerprints and/or sets of sub-fingerprints. Forexample, a vector distance between fingerprints may be computed based oncomparisons of respective bits of two fingerprints. Moreover, a distancemay be computed based on comparisons between each of a set of querysub-fingerprints and reference sub-fingerprints having a relative timingrelationship that corresponds to the query sub-fingerprints.

In some cases, a number of selection heuristics can be applied toevaluate the quality of a match, including comparing the fingerprintdistance with a threshold, and analyzing an extent of correspondence ofany available metadata associated with the video content items beingcompared. In some cases, the evaluation of the quality of the match caninvolve generating a similarity score based on a combination of theselection heuristics, and comparing the similarity score to a threshold,to determine whether two (or perhaps more) video content items have athreshold extent of similarity with each other.

Other example techniques for determining whether two video content itemshave a threshold extent of similarity with each other are described inU.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0193027 entitled “Search and Identificationof Video Content,” which is assigned to the assignee of the presentdisclosure, and which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

Returning to the example concerning hockey and basketball gamesdiscussed above, in one example, the comparison module can initiallygroup the first video content item (representing the hockey game) andthe third video content item (representing the basketball game) in thefirst group, and, can group the second video content item (representingthe hockey game) in the second group. Next, the comparison module cancompare fingerprints and/or metadata of the first and third videocontent items (in the first group) with fingerprints and/or metadata ofthe second video content item (in the second group).

Based on this comparison, the comparison module can determine that thefirst video content item (representing the hockey game) has a thresholdextent of similarity with the second video content item (representingthe hockey game). Thus, the comparison module can add the first videocontent item to the second group of video content items. Additionally,the comparison module can determine that the third video content item(representing the basketball game) does not have a threshold extent ofsimilarity with the second video content item. Therefore, the comparisonmodule may not add the third video content item to the second group.

After the comparison module has identified the second group of videocontent items, the scoring module can determine a quality score for eachvideo content item in the second group of video content items. Thequality score can be determined based on one or more characteristics ofa video content item. In one example, the quality score can bedetermined based on the stability of the video. In another example, thequality score can correspond to a “blur” score. The quality score can behigher if the video content item is less blurry and/or shaky. Forexample, in the second group of video content items that includes thefirst and second video content items representing hockey games, thescoring module can determine that the second video content item has ahigher quality score than the first video content item because thesecond video content item is less blurry or shaky than the first videocontent item. Other characteristics that may be used to determine thequality score include the resolution of the video content item, qualityof a corresponding audio content item, color contrast, brightness,whether the colors of a video content item are too dark, and/or othercharacteristics associated with a video content item. In some examples,the quality score can be determined based on a combination ofcharacteristics associated with a video content item.

After determining quality scores of the video content items of thesecond group, the scoring module can identify a third group of videocontent items from the second group. The scoring module can determinethe third group of video content items as video content items from thesecond group that have a quality score exceeding a quality scorethreshold. In some examples, the quality score threshold can be adjustedhigher to reduce the number of video content items selected for thethird group. Alternatively, the quality score threshold can be adjustedlower to increase the number of video content items selected for thethird group.

In one example, the scoring module can identify the video content itemof the second group having the highest quality score and select thatvideo content item for the third group. For example, the scoring modulecan identify the third group of video content items as having the secondvideo content item representing the hockey game because the item has thehighest quality score of the second group.

After video ingest system 304 has identified the third group of videocontent items, video ingest system 304 can transmit the video contentitems of the third group to DVE system 306. In some examples, videoingest system 304 can output a ranked order of the third group of videocontent items based on their quality scores. In some examples, videoingest system 304 can also output the quality scores of the third groupof video content items to the DVE system 304 and/or the sequencingsystem 308.

Video ingest system 304 can also select a DVE template. In one example,the DVE template may be selected based on the number of video contentitems in the third group. For example, if the third group includes twovideo content items, a DVE template may be selected that is suitable fordisplaying two video content items (e.g., a template that facilitatestwo video content items being displayed side-by-side).

After video ingest system 304 selects a DVE template, video ingestsystem 304 can transmit an indication of the selection to DVE system 306and/or sequencing system 310. In another example, the DVE template maybe selected by DVE system 306 once video ingest system 304 has receivedthe third group of video content items from video ingest system 304. Inthis case, DVE system 306 can transmit an indication of the selection tosequencing system 310.

DVE system 306 can then generate a video content item based on theselected DVE template and the video content items in the second group.In some embodiments, the generated video content item may include atleast a portion of some of the video content items of the second group.In other embodiments, the generated video content item may include atleast a portion of all of the video content items of the second group.

In some instances, the number of video content items received by thevideo sources can change. Likewise, the content of a given video contentitem can change. As such, video ingest system 304 can continuously orperiodically perform the operations described above and can update thefirst, second, and/or third groups of video content items, and canmodify the generated video content item as appropriate.

For example, video ingest system 304 can filter and compare additionalreceived video content items to the video content items in the secondgroup, and based on that comparison, the video ingest system can updatethe second group of video content items to include one or more of theadditional received video content items, if appropriate.

As another example, the system can stop receiving a video content itemand can update the first and second groups of video content itemsaccordingly. In other cases, an additional video content item receivedby video ingest system 304 can replace a video content item of thesecond group. For example, the third received video content item canreplace the first video content item. The replacement can occur due tothe third video content item becoming more similar to the second videocontent item than the first content item. In one example, this canresult from an end-user moving from one event to another, or from onearea of an event to another area of the event.

In each of these examples, video ingest system 304 can select adifferent DVE template, as appropriate. For example, in the case wherethe number of video content items in the second group changes from twoto three, video ingest system 304 can select a DVE template that issuitable for displaying three video content items (instead of two). As aresult, DVE system 306 can generate a video content item that includesat least a portion of the three video content items (instead of two).

In another example, video ingest system 304 can determine quality scoresfor the updated second group of video content items, and can update thethird group of video content items based on the updated quality scores(e.g. adding a third video content item of the hockey game to the thirdgroup of video content items due to a high quality score). Furthermore,the third group of video content items can be updated to remove a videocontent item. Other examples are possible.

By performing the operations described above, DVE system 306 candynamically generate a video content item that has a fluctuating amountand position of video content item subparts, based on how many receivedvideo content, items are covering the same event and/or based on thequality of those video content items.

In some instances, video ingest system 304 can perform thescoring-related functionality discussed above without first groupingvideo content items based on the video content items having a thresholdextent of similarity. As such, in one example, video ingest system 304can receive a first group of video content items, and can identify fromamong the first group of video content items, a second group of videocontent items each having a quality score that exceeds a quality scorethreshold. Further, based on the identifying, video ingest system 304can use at least a portion of at least one video content item of theidentified second group to generate a video content item.

DVE system 306 can perform various acts and/or functions related toDVEs. For example, DVE system 306 can execute a DVE, thereby causing DVEsystem 306 to generate video content, and can transmit the video contentto VBS 204.

In one example, DVE system 306 can receive first video content, and cangenerate second video content by modifying the first video content inaccordance with a DVE template. As such, DVE system 306 can generatevideo content by modifying other video content.

DVE system 306 can modify video content in various ways, such as byoverlaying text, images, video, and/or other content thereon. Forexample, DVE system 306 can modify video content by overlaying, on alower right-hand corner region of the video content, a channel logo. Asanother example, DVE system 306 can modify video content by overlaying,on a lower-third region of the video content, a text box including text.As another example, DVE system 306 can modify video content by scalingor re-positioning the video content or a portion thereof.

FIGS. 4A and 4B help illustrate the concept of overlaying content onvideo content. FIG. 4A is a simplified depiction of an example frame 400of video content. Frame 400 includes content 402, but does not includecontent overlaid on content 402. For comparison, FIG. 4B is a simplifieddepiction of another example frame 450 of video content. Frame 450includes content 452 and content 454 overlaid on content 452.

In another example, DVE system 306 can execute a DVE which causes DVEsystem 306 to combine multiple input video content items into a single,generated video content item. DVE system 306 can use a DVE template tospecify how many input video content items will be part of the generatedsingle video content item. The DVE template can also specify where theinput video content items will be positioned within the generated videocontent item. For example, one DVE template can specify that two inputvideo content items are to be positioned side-by-side. In anotherexample, a DVE template can specify that two input video content itemsare to be positioned side-by-side, and that a third video content itemis to be positioned above the side-by-side video content items, for atotal of three input video content items. Various other types of DVEtemplates are also possible.

In practice, DVE system 306 can switch between one or more inputs asappropriate, perhaps to receive and use video content in connection withDVE system 306 generating a video content item based on a given DVEtemplate.

DVE system 306 can also perform other acts and/or functions. Forexample, DVE system 306 can create and/or edit DVE templates, perhapsbased on input received from a user via a user interface. When DVEsystem 306 creates a DVE template, DVE system 306 can generate and storecorresponding program instructions for later retrieval and execution. Assuch, the act of DVE system 306 using a DVE template can include DVEsystem 306 retrieving and executing program instructions correspondingto the DVE template.

Scheduling system 308 can perform acts and/or functions related toscheduling and/or managing video content production. For example,scheduling system 308 can create and/or edit a program schedule of avideo program, perhaps based on input received from a user via a userinterface. Sequencing system 310 can then process records in the programschedule. This can cause sequencing system 310 to control one or moreother components of VPS 202 to facilitate VPS 202 generating and/oroutputting video content, which can serve as or be part of a videoprogram. As such, based on a program schedule, sequencing system 310 cancontrol video source 302, video ingest system 304, and/or DVE system306.

A program schedule (sometimes referred to in the industry as a“rundown”) serves as a schedule or outline of a video program and caninclude multiple records. A video program can be conceptually dividedinto multiple logically-separated portions (sometimes referred to in theindustry as “stories”). As such, each portion of the video program canbe represented by a separate record of the program schedule. Each recordcan include various types of data.

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of an example program schedule 500.Program schedule 500 includes ten records represented as ten orderedrows. Each record corresponds to a respective portion of a videoprogram, except for one which corresponds to a commercial break. Foreach portion, the respective record specifies at least one data itemthat corresponds to that portion of the video program. In particular,each record specifies at least one of a story title, a video contentitem identifier, a duration, and a DVE template identifier.

In some instances, a video content item consists of logically-relatedvideo content. For instance, a video content item can be a commercial ora portion of a television show that is scheduled between two commercialbreaks.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first record specifies a story title of STORY A,a video content identifier of VS ID A, a duration of 00:02:00:00 (inhours:minutes:seconds:frames format), and a DVE template identifier ofDVE ID A. As such, upon sequencing system 310 processing the firstrecord, sequencing system 310 can cause video source 302 to playout avideo content item identified by the identifier VS ID A for two minutes,and further can cause DVE system 306 to overlay content on theidentified video content item, based on the DVE template identified bythe identifier DVE ID A.

As another example, the third record specifies a story title of STORY C,a duration of 00:00:30:00, and a DVE identifier of DVE ID C. As such,upon sequencing system 310 processing the third record, sequencingsystem 310 can cause DVE system 306 to generate and output a videocontent item (in the form of a “full screen” DVE) for two minutes, basedon the DVE template identified by the identifier DVE ID C.

In some instances, a record can correspond to a video content item,generated based on the operations discussed above in connection withvideo ingest system 304 and DVE system 306. In this case, the record caninclude a special identifier indicating that this is the case. Forexample, the fifth record specifies a story title of STORY E, videocontent identifier of VS ID *, a duration of 00:00:30:00, and a DVEidentifier of DVE ID *. The video content identifier of VS ID * and theDVE identifier ID * indicate that the relevant video content items andDVE template are variable, and may depend on the operation of videoingest system 304. As such, upon sequencing system 310 processing thefifth record, sequencing system 310 can cause DVE system 306 to use theDVE template most recently selected by video ingest system 304, and thevideo content items in the second group, to generate and output a videocontent item.

It should be noted that program schedule 500 has been greatly simplifiedfor the purposes of illustrating certain features. In practice, aprogram schedule is likely to include significantly more data.

In some instances, sequencing system 310 can be configured to process anext record in the program schedule based on a trigger event. In oneexample, the trigger event can include sequencing system 310 receivinginput from a user via a user interface.

VBS 204 can transmit video content to destination device 206 forpresentation of the video content to an end user. In practice, VBS 204can transmit video content to a large number of end-user devices forpresentation of the video content to a large number of end users. VBS204 can transmit video content to destination device 206 in variousways. For example, VBS 204 can transmit video content to destinationdevice 206 over-the-air or via a packet-based network such as theInternet.

Destination device 206 can receive video content from VBS 204, and can,present the video content to an end-user via a user interface.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 600. In someembodiments, the method 600 may include more, fewer, and/or differentsteps than those displayed in FIG. 6.

At block 602, method 600 can include receiving, by a computing system, afirst group of video content items.

At block 604, method 600 can include identifying, by the computingsystem, from among the first group of video content items, a secondgroup of video content items having a threshold extent of similaritywith each other.

At block 606, method 600 can include determining, by the computingsystem, a quality score for each video content item of the second group.

At block 608, method 600 can include identifying, by the computingsystem, from among the second group of video content items, a thirdgroup of video content items each having a quality score that exceeds aquality score threshold.

At block 610, method 600 can include based on the identifying of thethird group, transmitting, by the computing system, at least a portionof at least one video content item of the identified third group to aDVE system, wherein the DVE system is configured for (i) receiving thetransmitted at least the portion of the at least one video content itemof the identified third group, and (ii) using (a) the received at leastthe portion of the at least one video content item of the identifiedthird group and (b) a DVE template, to generate a video content item.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 700. In someembodiments, the method 700 may include more, fewer, and/or differentsteps than those displayed in FIG. 7.

At block 702, method 700 can include receiving, by a computing system, afirst group of video content items.

At block 704, method 700 can include identifying, by the computingsystem, from among the first group of video content items, a secondgroup of video content items each having a quality score that exceeds aquality score threshold.

At block 706, method 700 can include based on the identifying, using, bythe computing system, at least a portion of at least one video contentitem of the identified second group to generate a video content item.

IV. Example Variations

Although some of the acts and/or functions described in this disclosurehave been described as being performed by a particular entity, such actsand/or functions can be performed by any entity, such as those entitiesdescribed in this disclosure. Further, although the described actsand/or functions have been recited in a particular order, the actsand/or functions need not be performed in the order recited. However, insome instances, it can be desired to perform the acts and/or functionsin the order recited. Also, not all of the described acts and/orfunctions need to be performed to achieve one or more of the benefitsprovided by this disclosure, and therefore not all acts and/or functionsare required.

Although certain variations have been discussed in connection with oneor more example of this disclosure, such variations can also be appliedto all of the other examples of this disclosure as well.

Although select examples of this disclosure have been described,alterations and permutations of these examples will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Other changes, substitutions, and/oralterations are also possible without departing from the invention inits broader aspects as set forth in the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by acomputing system, a first group of video content items; determining, bythe computing system, a quality score for one or more video contentitems of the first group of video content items; identifying, by thecomputing system, from among the first group of video content items, asecond group of video content items based on the second group of videocontent items (i) having a threshold extent of similarity with eachother and (ii) each having a quality score that exceeds a quality scorethreshold; and based on the identifying of the second group of videocontent items, transmitting, by the computing system, at least a portionof at least one video content item of the identified second group ofvideo content items to a digital video-effect (DVE) system, wherein theDVE system is configured for (i) receiving the transmitted at least theportion of the at least one video content item of the identified secondgroup of video content items, (ii) using a number of video content itemsin the identified second group of video content items to select a DVEtemplate, and (iii) using (a) the received at least the portion of theat least one video content item of the identified second group of videocontent items and (b) the DVE template, to generate a video content itemthat includes the received at least the portion of the at least onevideo content item of the identified second group of video contentitems.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying the second group ofvideo content items comprises: comparing, by the computing system, afingerprint of a first video content item of the first group with afingerprint of a second video content item of the first group; based onthe comparison, determining, by the computing system, that the firstvideo content item of the first group and the second video content itemof the first group have the threshold extent of similarity with eachother; and adding, by the computing system, the first video content itemof the first group to the second group.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein identifying the second group of video content items comprises:comparing, by the computing system, metadata of a first video contentitem of the first group with metadata of a second video content item ofthe first group; based on the comparison, determining, by the computingsystem, that the first video content item of the first group and thesecond video content item of the first group have the threshold extentof similarity with each other; and adding, by the computing system, thefirst video content item of the first group to the second group.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the quality score corresponds to a videostability rating.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjustingthe quality score threshold such that the second group only contains onevideo content item having a highest quality score of all of the videocontent items of the second group.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein thecomputing system comprises the DVE system, the method furthercomprising: using, by the computing system, (a) the received at leastthe portion of the at least one video content item of the identifiedsecond group and (b) the DVE template, to generate a video content item;and broadcasting, by the computing system, the generated video contentitem, wherein the generated video content item is broadcast within 10seconds from when the received at least the portion of the at least onevideo content item of the identified second group was received by thecomputing system.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein each video contentitem of the first group is received by the computing system from arespective video source.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the videosource of at least one video content item of the second group is anend-user device.
 9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium havingstored thereon program instructions that upon execution by a processor,cause performance of a set of acts comprising: receiving, by a computingsystem, a first group of video content items; determining, by thecomputing system, a quality score for one or more video content items ofthe first group of video content items; identifying, by the computingsystem, from among the first group of video content items, a secondgroup of video content items based on the second group of video contentitems (i) having a threshold extent of similarity with each other and(ii) each having a quality score that exceeds a quality score threshold;and based on the identifying of the second group of video content items,transmitting, by the computing system, at least a portion of at leastone video content item of the identified second group of video contentitems to a digital video-effect (DVE) system, wherein the DVE system isconfigured for (i) receiving the transmitted at least the portion of theat least one video content item of the identified second group of videocontent items, (ii) using a number of video content items in theidentified second group of video content items to select a DVE template,and (iii) using (a) the received at least the portion of the at leastone video content item of the identified second group of video contentitems and (b) the DVE template, to generate a video content item thatincludes the received at least the portion of the at least one videocontent item of the identified second group of video content items. 10.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the actof identifying the second group of video content items comprises:comparing, by the computing system, a fingerprint of a first videocontent item of the first group with a fingerprint of a second videocontent item of the first group; based on the comparison, determining,by the computing system, that the first video content item of the firstgroup and the second video content item of the first group have thethreshold extent of similarity with each other; and adding, by thecomputing system, the first video content item of the first group to thesecond group.
 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim9, wherein the act of identifying the second group of video contentitems comprises: comparing, by the computing system, metadata of a firstvideo content item of the first group with metadata of a second videocontent item of the first group; based on the comparison, determining,by the computing system, that the first video content item of the firstgroup and the second video content item of the first group have thethreshold extent of similarity with each other; and adding, by thecomputing system, the first video content item of the first group to thesecond group.
 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim9, wherein the quality score corresponds to a video stability rating.13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein thecomputing system comprises the DVE system, wherein the set of actsfurther comprises: using, by the computing system, (a) the received atleast the portion of the at least one video content item of theidentified second group and (b) the DVE template, to generate a videocontent item; and broadcasting, by the computing system, the generatedvideo content item, wherein the generated video content item isbroadcast within 10 seconds from when the received at least the portionof the at least one video content item of the identified second groupwas received by the computing system.
 14. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein each video content item ofthe first group is received by the computing system from a respectivevideo source.
 15. A computing system comprising: one or more processors;and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereonprogram instructions that, upon execution by the one or more processors,cause performance of a set of acts comprising: receiving, by a computingsystem, a first group of video content items; determining, by thecomputing system, a quality score for one or more video content items ofthe first group of video content items; identifying, by the computingsystem, from among the first group of video content items, a secondgroup of video content items based on the second group of video contentitems (i) having a threshold extent of similarity with each other and(ii) each having a quality score that exceeds a quality score threshold;and based on the identifying of the second group of video content items,transmitting, by the computing system, at least a portion of at leastone video content item of the identified second group of video contentitems to a digital video-effect (DVE) system, wherein the DVE system isconfigured for (i) receiving the transmitted at least the portion of theat least one video content item of the identified second group of videocontent items, (ii) using a number of video content items in theidentified second group of video content items to select a DVE template,and (iii) using (a) the received at least the portion of the at leastone video content item of the identified second group of video contentitems and (b) the DVE template, to generate a video content item thatincludes the received at least the portion of the at least one videocontent item of the identified second group video content items.
 16. Thecomputing system of claim 15, wherein the act of identifying the secondgroup of video content items comprises: comparing, by the computingsystem, a fingerprint of a first video content item of the first groupwith a fingerprint of a second video content item of the first group;based on the comparison, determining, by the computing system, that thefirst video content item of the first group and the second video contentitem of the first group have the threshold extent of similarity witheach other; and adding, by the computing system, the first video contentitem of the first group to the second group.
 17. The computing system ofclaim 15, wherein the act of identifying the second group of videocontent items comprises: comparing, by the computing system, metadata ofa first video content item of the first group with metadata of a secondvideo content item of the first group; based on the comparison,determining, by the computing system, that the first video content itemof the first group and the second video content item of the first grouphave the threshold extent of similarity with each other; and adding, bythe computing system, the first video content item of the first group tothe second group.
 18. The computing system of claim 15, wherein thequality score corresponds to a video stability rating.
 19. The computingsystem of claim 15, wherein the computing system comprises the DVEsystem, wherein the set of acts further comprises: using, by thecomputing system, (a) the received at least the portion of the at leastone video content item of the identified second group and (b) the DVEtemplate, to generate a video content item; and broadcasting, by thecomputing system, the generated video content item, wherein thegenerated video content item is broadcast within 10 seconds from whenthe received at least the portion of the at least one video content itemof the identified second group was received by the computing system. 20.The computing system of claim 15, wherein each video content item of thefirst group is received by the computing system from a respective videosource.